About this course

Entry requirements

The basic requirement is a first or second-class Honours degree in sociology or a cognate area or an approved equivalent qualification or an equivalent capability based on prior substantial relevant experience. Applicants may be required to submit a portfolio of work and undergo an interview.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The course focus is on sociological research methods, and the intention is to produce graduates ready to embark on research careers in the private, public, voluntary or academic spheres. Modules on qualitative and quantitative methods form the core of the course, along with modules on substantive issues of contemporary relevance. Theoretical framing and analysis of qualitative data, and statistical analysis of large-scale survey data sets is central to the course. Faculty have extensive research experience in a variety of areas, including the media, social exclusion, stratification and inequality, the restructuring of work, feminist methodologies, community development, education, marriage and divorce. A research dissertation is a key element of the course.

Information for international students

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved

Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above

TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)

IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in any one component.